Question 1

Who is Jesus and why does He matter to Christians?

Accepted Answer

Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, regarded by Christians as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. According to evangelical beliefs, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, embodying the perfect union of God and man. His life, death, and resurrection are foundational to Christian faith. Christians believe that Jesus was sent by God to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah, offering salvation to all who believe (John 3:16). His death on the cross is seen as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity, reconciling people to God (Romans 5:8).

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is considered a victory over sin and death, assuring believers of eternal life and affirming His divine identity (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Furthermore, Jesus’ teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, provide ethical and spiritual guidance, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. For Christians, Jesus matters profoundly because He represents the pathway to a restored relationship with God, offering hope, purpose, and the promise of eternal life. His life and message continue to inspire and transform individuals and communities worldwide.

Question 2

Who is Jesus and why is He central to Christianity?

Accepted Answer

Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, regarded as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. According to evangelical Christian belief, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, a mystery known as the hypostatic union. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith. Jesus' mission, as understood by evangelicals, was to reconcile humanity to God, offering salvation from sin and eternal life through His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). This act of atonement is seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the ultimate demonstration of God's love and grace.

Jesus' teachings, recorded in the Gospels, emphasize love, forgiveness, and the coming Kingdom of God. His life serves as a model for Christian living, and His resurrection is viewed as the cornerstone of Christian hope, promising believers victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-22). In summary, Jesus is central to Christianity because He is the means by which believers are redeemed and restored to a right relationship with God, embodying the core message of the Gospel.

Question 3

Does the Tiktaalik fossil provide evidence for evolution from a Christian perspective?

Accepted Answer

From a mainstream evangelical Christian perspective, the Tiktaalik fossil, a transitional form between fish and tetrapods discovered in 2004, is often viewed with caution when considering evidence for evolution. Many evangelicals hold to a literal interpretation of Genesis, believing that God created all living things according to their kinds (Genesis 1:21, 24-25). This view often leads to skepticism about macroevolution, the idea of one species evolving into another over millions of years, as it appears to conflict with the biblical account of a six-day creation.

While some Christians accept theistic evolution, suggesting God guided evolutionary processes, many evangelicals argue that fossils like Tiktaalik do not conclusively prove evolution but rather demonstrate God’s creative diversity or adaptation within kinds. They emphasize that scientific interpretations are fallible and should be weighed against Scripture, which they consider the ultimate authority (2 Timothy 3:16). Thus, for many evangelicals, Tiktaalik may be seen as an interesting discovery but not definitive evidence for evolution, as it does not override the biblical narrative of creation. Faith in God’s Word often takes precedence over scientific claims in this perspective.

Question 4

Who were the twelve disciples of Jesus in the Bible?

Accepted Answer

The twelve disciples of Jesus, also known as the Twelve Apostles, were the primary followers chosen by Jesus during His earthly ministry to spread His teachings and build the foundation of the Church. According to the Gospels, their names are: Simon Peter, Andrew (Peter’s brother), James and John (sons of Zebedee), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus (also called Judas, son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:2-4; Luke 6:13-16). These men came from diverse backgrounds, including fishermen, a tax collector, and a political zealot, reflecting Jesus’ call to all people. They witnessed His miracles, teachings, and resurrection, and most were instrumental in early Christian mission work. After Judas Iscariot’s betrayal and death, Matthias was chosen to replace him (Acts 1:26), maintaining the number twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. From an evangelical perspective, the disciples represent the core of Jesus’ mission to proclaim the Gospel, with Peter often highlighted as a key leader in the early Church. Their lives exemplify faith, struggle, and transformation through Christ.

Question 5

Who does the Bible say God is and is not?

Accepted Answer

The Bible presents God as the eternal, sovereign Creator of all things, characterized by holiness, love, and omnipotence. God is one in essence, yet exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a mystery known as the Trinity (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19). He is self-existent, needing nothing outside Himself, and is unchanging in His nature (Malachi 3:6). God is personal, engaging with humanity through covenant relationships, and is just, merciful, and faithful. His love is supremely revealed in Jesus Christ, who died for humanity’s sins (John 3:16).

Conversely, the Bible clarifies what God is not. He is not a created being or part of the physical world, rejecting pantheism or idolatry (Isaiah 44:6). God is not limited by human flaws like capriciousness or deceit; He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). He is not distant or impersonal, as deism suggests, but actively involved in creation and redemption. Additionally, God is not one among many gods, affirming monotheism against polytheistic views. From an evangelical perspective, these truths underscore God’s uniqueness and call for worship of Him alone, as revealed in Scripture.

Question 6

What is the most important commandment according to Jesus?

Accepted Answer

According to Jesus, the most important commandment is to love God and love others. This is succinctly captured in the synoptic Gospels, where Jesus summarizes the Law by citing two primary commandments. In Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV), Jesus says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” This passage reflects the essence of the Jewish Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and the command to love one's neighbor found in Leviticus 19:18. Jesus presents these two commandments as inseparable and foundational, emphasizing that all the Law and the Prophets hang on these commands (Matthew 22:40). From an evangelical perspective, loving God with one's entire being involves a devoted relationship with Him, characterized by obedience and worship. Loving others, meanwhile, entails selfless actions, kindness, and compassion, reflecting God's love in human relationships. This dual commandment encapsulates the heart of Christian ethics, guiding believers in their relationship with God and with others, and serving as the ultimate fulfillment of God's law.

Question 7

Who is the youngest person to die in the Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the Bible, the youngest person to die is not explicitly identified by name or age in the text, but some narratives describe the death of infants or young children. A notable example is the death of David and Bathsheba’s first child. The child became ill and died shortly after birth as a consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:15-18). This account highlights the narrative of divine judgment and the consequences of sin, emphasizing themes of repentance and forgiveness, as David later sought God's mercy and was forgiven. Another example is found in the New Testament when King Herod ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem two years old and under, in an attempt to kill the newborn Jesus (Matthew 2:16). This tragic event, known as the Massacre of the Innocents, underscores the violence and desperation of Herod's reign. These stories illustrate the vulnerability and innocence of children in biblical narratives and serve as poignant reminders of the broader themes of sin, judgment, and redemption that run throughout the Bible.

Question 8

How many books are in the Old Testament?

Accepted Answer

The Old Testament of the Christian Bible, as recognized by most mainstream evangelical Christians, contains 39 books. These books were written over a span of centuries and consist of various genres, including law, history, poetry, and prophecy. They form the first part of the Christian biblical canon, detailing the history, laws, and religious beliefs of the Israelites, and setting the stage for the New Testament.

The division and numbering of these books are based on the Protestant tradition, which aligns with the Hebrew Bible, although the order may differ. The Old Testament begins with Genesis and ends with Malachi. Key books include Genesis, which describes the creation and early history of humanity (Genesis 1:1), and Exodus, which details the Israelites' liberation from Egypt (Exodus 20:1-17).

It is important to note that different Christian denominations may have variations in their Old Testament canons. For example, the Roman Catholic Old Testament includes additional books, known as the Deuterocanonical books, bringing their total to 46. However, the 39-book canon is the standard among most Protestant and evangelical traditions.

Question 9

Was Judas Iscariot ever a true believer in Jesus?

Accepted Answer

The question of whether Judas Iscariot was ever a true believer in Jesus is complex, but from a mainstream evangelical Christian perspective, it is generally understood that Judas was not a true believer. Although Judas was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus (Luke 6:13-16), his actions and ultimate betrayal indicate a lack of genuine faith. In John 6:70-71, Jesus Himself acknowledges the impending betrayal, stating, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil," referring to Judas. This suggests that Jesus was aware of Judas's lack of true belief from the beginning.

Furthermore, Judas's motivation appears to be driven by worldly concerns, as evidenced by his complaint about the use of expensive perfume on Jesus, where he was more interested in the monetary value (John 12:4-6). His betrayal for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16) further underscores his priorities. After the betrayal, Judas's remorse led to despair and suicide (Matthew 27:3-5), showing regret rather than repentance.

Therefore, while Judas had the opportunity to witness Jesus's ministry and miracles firsthand, mainstream evangelical theology generally holds that Judas never possessed a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Question 10

What is a good book of the Bible to memorize?

Accepted Answer

A good book of the Bible to memorize, particularly from a mainstream evangelical Christian perspective, is the Book of Philippians. This epistle, written by the Apostle Paul, is rich in theological insight and practical guidance for Christian living. It emphasizes themes of joy, humility, and the peace that comes from knowing Christ, making it both encouraging and spiritually enriching.

Philippians is relatively short, comprising just four chapters, which makes it more feasible for memorization. Within its text, Paul articulates profound truths about the Christian life, including the call to rejoice in all circumstances (Philippians 4:4) and the exhortation to not be anxious but to present one's requests to God through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). These passages, among others, offer daily encouragement and serve as a guide for personal spiritual growth.

Additionally, Philippians 2:5-11 presents a powerful Christological hymn that reflects on the humility and exaltation of Christ, encapsulating core Christian beliefs. By memorizing Philippians, believers can internalize key theological concepts and practical exhortations, equipping them for both personal edification and the encouragement of others.

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